Review of The Sessions (2012) by Deb K — 22 Apr 2013

A different view on the subject of sex, taking a look at the life of decorated journalist Mark O'Brien (John Hawkes) and his desire to have intercourse despite being disabled with polio since the age of six, and how the sex surrogate (Helen Hunt) he hires attempts to help him to achieve that.

A frank and honest look at sex is ultimately undermined by a script that simplifies the subject of religion in the matter, exemplified by a cool, laid-back priest (William H. Macy) that never for a second feels real or genuine.

The acting across the board is outstanding, especially Hawkes in a Day-Lewis esque turn, and Hunt, but the movie's overall direction is severely lacking. In addition to Macy's character really just being a bridge to the audience and not offering a real, substantial religious viewpoint on the subject (being that Hawkes character himself is very religious), the film's turn into "could they ACTUALLY fall in love?" territory with Hawkes and Hunt feels forced and overdone.

It has good intentions of showing a man with a disability overcome an extreme, some would think unusual obstacle, but it rounds the corner too quickly on too many little things that are important (religion, Hunt's family situation, the incredible things Mark has accomplished in his life) to make it worth a view in the end.